Bold Sichuan flavors w/ tingly tofu pudding & tender rabbit. Worth the Times Sq trek.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Sky Pavilion, a Hell's Kitchen Sichuan restaurant that offers bold flavors like tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, making it a worthwhile destination even in Times Square.
This Hell's Kitchen gem offers an authentic Sichuan experience, blending bold, tingly flavors with a surprisingly unfussy atmosphere. From the praised tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit to a wide array of spicy specialties, it's a destination that elevates dining in the Times Square vicinity.
Sky Pavilion is highly regarded for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, with many dishes noted for their spiciness. Recommended dishes include the Kung Pao chicken (order Chinese style), tofu pudding, Zigong-style stir-fried spicy rabbit, and braised fish fillet with Sichuan pepper. While most dishes are spicy, non-spicy options like braised tofu with crab meat sauce are also available.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Kung Pao chicken (request Chinese style), tofu pudding, Zigong-style stir-fried spicy rabbit, and braised fish fillet with Sichuan pepper. Other praised items are whole fish with bean sauce, Mapo tofu, and double cooked pork."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Sky Pavilion, appreciating its authentic Sichuan flavors and highlighting specific dishes like the Kung Pao chicken and tofu pudding.
Important Note
The restaurant is not BYOB as some online listings suggest; they sell beer but not wine or liquor.
"Sky Pavilion is highly recommended, but despite being listed as BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) online, they did not allow the commenter to open their own beer because they sell beer but not wine or liquor."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is recommended for Chinese food, noting they have large tables suitable for groups."
Positive"This commenter mentions Sky Pavilion in response to the query about Kung Pao chicken."
Positive"Provided detailed recommendations for Sky Pavilion, emphasizing that many dishes are spicy and suggesting to ask staff about spice levels."
Positive"Asked for recommendations at Sky Pavilion, expressing openness to trying different dishes."
Neutral"Requested recommendations for Sky Pavilion, noting a lack of familiarity with the cuisine."
Neutral"Inquired about recommendations at Sky Pavilion due to unfamiliarity with Sichuan cuisine."
Neutral"Listed Sky Pavilion as a recommendation, specifying it serves Sichuan cuisine."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is recommended as a good Chinese restaurant, located between 8th and 9th Avenues on 42nd Street. The user later provided detailed recommendations on dishes, noting that many are spicy."
Positive"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a potentially tourist-friendly option in the Times Square area."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
Positive"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street near 8th avenue, was recommended."
Neutral"This commenter suggested trying Chongqing chicken or Laziji, describing it as similar to the dish at Sky Pavilion but drier, with more cumin tones, and without peanuts."
Neutral"The commenter noted the similarity of the dish to Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by numbing peppercorns and abundant chilis. They pointed out it's typically a drier dish than Kung Pao and suggested checking Sichuan restaurants for similar options with varying names."
Neutral"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the dish, appreciating the tip for finding spicy Kung Pao."
Positive"Expressing interest in trying the dish due to a preference for extra spicy food."
Positive"The author shared their experience with the Kung Pao chicken from Sky Pavilion, describing it as very spicy with good chicken but an abundance of chilis and peppercorns. They found it a bit too pricey for what it is, ultimately rating it a B+."
Negative"The author found the Dan Dan noodles at Sky Pavilion to be just okay, expecting more. However, they thought the soup dumplings were great."
Neutral"This user recommended Sky Pavilion, stating it is excellent and pretty spicy."
Positive
